Mental Health Conditions

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are scared to, talk about them. Nevertheless:

1 in 5 Canadian adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 Canadian adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 Canadian youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Factors Influencing Mental Health Conditions

A mental health condition typically arises from various factors rather than a single event. Research indicates that genetics, environment, and lifestyle all contribute to the development of mental health conditions. Stressful work or home environments, as well as traumatic experiences, can make individuals more susceptible. Additionally, biochemical processes, neural circuits, and brain structure may play a role.

Overcoming Mental Health Stigma

It is essential to note that experiencing a mental health condition does not imply being flawed or that you or your family have done something “wrong.” Mental illness is not anyone’s fault. For many individuals, recovery, which may involve fulfilling roles in social settings, school, and work, is achievable, especially when seeking early treatment and actively participating in the recovery process.